In light of the NSW Government’s recent announcement that short term holiday letting in rural and regional NSW will be automatically capped at 365 days, with councils given the power to reduce the cap if needed for their community, MidCoast Council plans to reassess the region’s policy. A spokesperson from MidCoast Council said up until about six months ago, council was developing some controls relating to short-term holiday letting in the region. “However, these were put on hold by the State Government while it undertook its own assessment with a view to establishing a consistent approach across NSW,” the spokesperson said. “We are aware the NSW Government has now released their short-term holiday letting plan, and will be assessing the elements of that plan to determine if it has any impact on how we deal with short-term leasing in our area.” Local Government NSW (LGNSW) president, Linda Scott said the government was seeking to deliver a careful balance between the local economic benefits of short-term holiday letting and the protection of long-term residents. “Obviously one size does not fit all when it comes to different regions,” she said. “The impact of home sharing differs across NSW, from central business districts through regional and rural cities and towns, and coastal locations. “LGNSW has consistently argued that individual councils are best placed to determine the caps that would best balance economic development via short-term accommodation with rental affordability and public amenity for residents. “This information should be readily available and clear to potential hosts so they can make their business and investment decisions accordingly.” LGNSW also welcomed the government decision to give body corporates the power to restrict short term holiday letting in strata title units, given the challenges these residents face. A number of councils had raised concerns about the impact of home-sharing on housing affordability, with investors driving up home prices beyond the reach of owner-buyers, and reduced rental stock.

Council to assess controls relating to short-term holiday letting

MidCoast Council plans to reassess the regions policy on short term-term holiday letting.

In light of the NSW Government’s recent announcement that short term holiday letting in rural and regional NSW will be automatically capped at 365 days, with councils given the power to reduce the cap if needed for their community, MidCoast Council plans to reassess the region’s policy.

A spokesperson from MidCoast Council said up until about six months ago, council was developing some controls relating to short-term holiday letting in the region.

“However, these were put on hold by the State Government while it undertook its own assessment with a view to establishing a consistent approach across NSW,” the spokesperson said.

“We are aware the NSW Government has now released their short-term holiday letting plan, and will be assessing the elements of that plan to determine if it has any impact on how we deal with short-term leasing in our area.”

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) president, Linda Scott said the government was seeking to deliver a careful balance between the local economic benefits of short-term holiday letting and the protection of long-term residents.

“Obviously one size does not fit all when it comes to different regions,” she said.

“The impact of home sharing differs across NSW, from central business districts through regional and rural cities and towns, and coastal locations.

“LGNSW has consistently argued that individual councils are best placed to determine the caps that would best balance economic development via short-term accommodation with rental affordability and public amenity for residents.

“This information should be readily available and clear to potential hosts so they can make their business and investment decisions accordingly.”

LGNSW also welcomed the government decision to give body corporates the power to restrict short term holiday letting in strata title units, given the challenges these residents face.

A number of councils had raised concerns about the impact of home-sharing on housing affordability, with investors driving up home prices beyond the reach of owner-buyers, and reduced rental stock.